The Memphis appeal. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1886-1890, 1887-03-27
LINCOLN In 1854
HIS CONTRASTS OF TEnPERA.
MgaT A PUZZLE
To His Friends and an Uns"lvable
Enigma 10 His Political
Opponents.

Nicolay and Hay say IN the April
Century,: But now a new actor
came forward on the political stage in
central Illinois; or rather, an old
favorite reappeared. This was
Abraham Lincoln. Since his return
to Springfield from his single term
of service in Congress, 1917 to 1s49,
though by no means entirely with
drawn from politics, his active work
had been greatly diminished. His
congressional life had largely in
creased the horizon of his observa-
ton. Perhaps it had also extended
the bounds of his ambition. He had
doubtless discovered many of his
own defects, and not unlikely had
diligently sought to remedy them.
The period following had for him
been years of work, study, and re-
Election. His profession of law had
become deeper science and a
higher responsibility. His practice,
receiving his undivided attention,
brought him more important and
more remunerative cases, Losing
nothing of his genial humor, his
character took on the dignity Of a
graver manhood. He was still the
center and the idol of every social
group he encountered, whether on
the street or in the parlor. Serene
and buoyant Of temper, cordial
and winning of language, charlt-
able aud tolerant of opinion, his very
presence diffused a glow of conf
dence and kindness. Wherever he
went he left an ever widening ripple
of smiles, jests, and laughter. His
radiant good fellowship was beloved
and sought alike by political oppo-
nents and partisan friends. His
sturdy and delicate integrity, recog-
nized far and wide, had long since
won him the blunt but hearty sobri-
quet of Honest Old Abe" But it
became noticeable that of late years
he was less among the crowd and
more in the solitude of his office or
his study, and that he seemed ever
in haste to leave the eager circle he
was entertaining.
1t was in the midsummer of 1854
that we find him reappearing on the
stump in Central Illinois, The ru-
raj population always welcomed his
oratory, made up of ready wit, apt
illustration, simple statement, torcl-
BILE logic. His diction was familiar
to the ear, his stories were racy Of
the soil. He never lacked for invi-
tations to address the public. His
first speeches on the new and all
absorbing topic were made in the
neighboring towns and in the cOun-
ties adjoining his own. Toward the
end of August the candidates in that
district were, in Western phrase,
ION the track" Yates, afterward
one of the famous war Governors"
sought re- election as Wing. Har-
ris as a Douglas Democrat strove to
supplant him. Local politics became
active, and Lincoln was sent for IN
all directions to address the people.
When he went, however, he distinct
ly announced that he did not purpose
to take up his time with this personal
and Congressional controversy. Ills
intention was to discuss the princl-
pies of the Nebraska bill. Once
launched upon this theme men were
surprised to find him imbued with a
new and unwonted seriousness. They
heard from his lips Tower anecdotes
and more history. Careless listeners
who came to laugh at his jokes sat
spell bound by the strong current OF
his reasoning and the flashes OF his
earnest eloquence, and were lifted up
by the range and tenor of his argui-
ment into a fresher and purer politl-
cal atmosphere.